Animal Assisted Therapy in counseling is a research based modality of including animals in the counseling process. Animals can change the traditional therapeutic setting by facilitating a client's motivation in counseling, allowing opportunity for a more trusting relationship, as well as accessing a client's individual needs for comfort, social skills, and acceptance.

Research shows the significant benefit animals have on their owner's health, both physically and emotionally. Furthermore, current studies are concluding the immense benefit animals have in the therapeutic relationship with those who have ASD, among other emotional issues.﻿

Ruthie and Lucy are registered through the Pet Partners organization. For more information, please visit www.petpartners.org

In addition to requirements followed regarding Pet Partners, Ruthie has also completed further education in Advanced Animal Therapy through The University of North Texas CAAT-AAT Training Program.

Ruthie and Lucy

Having raised and trained a multitude of animals since childhood, Ruthie has always valued the impact of the relationship between animals and people.

Following the passing of the family dog, Ruthie adopted Lucy, a "labramix", from Operation Kindness in Carrollton, Texas when Lucy was just a few weeks old. Instantly, Ruthie knew there was something unique and indescribable about Lucy. Lucy "just got" people. She knew that Lucy had to join her at the practice.

Lucy's favorite activities are following Ruthie everywhere, being hugged and loved on by kids, and hanging out with her cat. She always enjoys a nice long walk or car ride, in addition to going fishing!

Lucy is a Therapy partner, differing from a service animal, in that she provides comfort and support to others, as opposed to a particular service for one individual.